Traveler option for an X

[Chinook]

I've seen a few traveler mods for the X on this site, but was thinking of another option. Instead of installing a semi-permanent traveler, which tends to take up inconvenient space in the cockpit in the designs I've seen, how about rigging a temporary line from boom to the curved railing at the front of the cockpit? I'm thinking a small block and tackle, which could be clipped to boom and railing, would allow for a better angle on the boom when the boom is swayed out, as on a reach. The main boom sheet could remain attached at the pedestal, but downward tension could be applied to the boom from one side or the other, depending on the tack. I've experimented a bit by temporarily connecting the mainsheet to the railing, and it seems to help sailshape quite a bit, but by using the detatchable block and tackle, rigging up would be a lot simpler. Waddaya think?

[K9Kampers]

An interesting idea, but I'm not visualizing detaching / reattaching the extra block & tackle before and after each tack as simple, at least for singlehanding.

[Chinook]

I'm thinking I'd just slacken the block and tackle and then undo the snap shackle connecting to the boom. The main sheet is still connected to the boom, and holding things together. I'd then unsnap and reattach on the other side. This rig wouldn't be needed when sailing close to the wind, when frequent tacking is involved. On a reach, tack changes generally don't occur as often.

[bscott]

I use the system you are thinking about. I use a 4:1 vang attached to a second boom bail and then to the genny track. Just prior to a tack I remove the vang from the boom and complete the tack. Once on the new tack I switch the vang over to the leeward rail and attach to the boom. This works extremely well for any reach each beyond a close reach and can be used as a preventer for running ddw. Its kind of tireseome in a tacking duel unless you have a good crew aboard but it really powers up the main--you will be amazed .

bscott

[ronacarme]

bscott..... your setup sounds good....what is location of new second bail along the boom? ....does tightening the 4/1 vang seem to bend the boom at all?

[bscott]

I will measure it tomorow--I think it is 6" but I'll check. I used a Garhauer 4:1 with snap shackles on both ends, 50' of line. I used a spinnaker pole slide in the genny track so I could maximixe my down pulling angle for closer reaches. You can also over sheet the main by moving the vang to the windward rail.

I have a loose footed main so this is the only way I could go without bending/breaking the boom.

bscott

[bscott]

ronacarme,
The aft most boom bail for the main sheet is 12" from the boom end and the second bail for the triangle traveller is 16".

bscott

[ronacarme]

bscott....excellent...thanks..Ron

[The Mutt]

How about removing the folding bimini and making a more permanent structure, the forward most part of the new bimini could have a traveller attached and a roller for the mast during storage, maybe a couple of solar panels, antennas, side panels and the awning needed to go to the cabin top could be rolled-up still attached freeing up a bit of inside storage ...... just an idea, side to side bracing while under sail would be the weakest link.

Glenn

[Rob S]

Last year I experimented with a "Triangular Traveler/Mainsheet" arrangement as shown in the photo (if it works, if not, click on it).......



It consists of a single line snap shackled at its mid point to the boom bail, and its ends fed through genoa blocks to Garhauer Swivel Cam Cleats (from K-H..... same as Bill's EZ cleats) on the genoa rail. It was inspired by Captain Kimo's Poor man's traveler mod....
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=656

It was a cheaper way to experiment with this type of arrangement without spending extra cash on a duplicate mainsheet until I could see if it worked.

It did! It made a huge difference to my ability to control sail shape....... much better curved draught close hauled in light winds, much better pointing close hauled in ANY winds, and much flatter sail when trimming out in strong winds allowing me to sail flatter. Initially it's a little more complicated to use than a conventional traveler but you soon get used to it and it's control and effect is identical to a conventional traveler. WAY better than no traveler at all.

The major disadvantage of MY arrangement is that with no pulleys, it lacks any mechanical advantage which is why I needed to keep the conventional mainsheet still attached..... I trimmed with the mainsheet, then adjusted with the "traveler." But this has convinced me that Captain Kimo's arrangement is THE way to go, and I'm planning on doing that this year. Using snap shackles on both ends of the two mainsheets is a good idea because you can quicly reconfigure to a conventional center anchored single mainsheet if you so desire.

[Captain Kimo]

Last year I experimented with a "Triangular Traveler/Mainsheet" arrangement as shown in the photo (if it works, if not, click on it).......



It consists of a single line snap shackled at its mid point to the boom bail, and its ends fed through genoa blocks to Garhauer Swivel Cam Cleats (from K-H..... same as Bill's EZ cleats) on the genoa rail. It was inspired by Captain Kimo's Poor man's traveler mod....
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=656

But this has convinced me that Captain Kimo's arrangement is THE way to go, and I'm planning on doing that this year. Using snap shackles on both ends of the two mainsheets is a good idea because you can quicly reconfigure to a conventional center anchored single mainsheet if you so desire.

Hi Rob,

Since submitting the MOD photo, I have replaced all the "toy" clips with Home Depot SS Spring Links, per a suggestion from Frank Capone. Will edit the MOD photo this year and show current arrangement. This configuration allows for excellent shaping the main.. Particularly, in pulling down the boom with the leeward main sheet. System allows you to revert back to clipping to the center eye on the steering pedestal with the leeward main sheet if you feel the arrangement gets to complicated.

Comments:
I sail seated just in front of the steering pedestal on the windward side. Often when leaning back, I or a crew member, will trip the windward main sheet clam cleat. Putting the clam cleat up by the boom bale would make that area too congested for optimal use. Really this system is not advantageous with too many in the cockpit, I revert to single main sheet to the pedestal main sheet eye in that situation.

Particularly like when having to jibe in a high wind and single handed. I feel I have more control with the twin main sheets should I lose my balance in the jibe.

Capt. Kimo

[Terry]

Captain Kimo,
Where did you find those U-bolt pin cars on the genoa track and how much did they cost each? I saw a larger one in a marinre store but it was very expensive for what it is, a simple track car. I would like to get one car and about 3' of track to install on the forward side of my mast about the height of the boom. This would provide an adjustable whisker pole attachment so that I can set the mast end of the whisker pole at different heights for the jib or genoa when wing on wing. Not trying to hijack the thread but you have exactly what I am looking for.

[Captain Kimo]

Captain Kimo,
Where did you find those U-bolt pin cars on the genoa track and how much did they cost each?

Ahoy Terry,

The pair were purchased at local West Marine Store. Believe they should be in the West Marine catalogue. Don't remember the price, but do remember sale person reminding me that there were Teflon inserts that would drop out if not handled carefully on installation.

Capt. Kimo

[Highlander]

Terry

This is what you see the u-bolt !



This is what you want it is on a 90% angle to the tract


Pole Slide, 1" T-Track Size, 1-1/4" Ring ID 129304 RC72543

Why not go with one of these I mounted one on my mast & use it with two heads wing on wing works fine
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 584104.jpg
http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/m ... 010015.flv
J

[Ron]

I have a traveler over the cabin cover attached to the stanchions on either side. YOU can see it in this photo.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n32/ ... 2007-1.jpg